Sunday, 5 July 2015

6 July 2015

Collects

Prayers
developed from the daily readings

Monday 6 July 2015

Morning
Prayer

Psalm 18: 1 – 31

David
exuberantly praises the Lord for saving him from death at the hands of his
enemies. The images used are like a volcanic eruption. David is ecstatic with
what he can do with God’s help. He rejoices utterly in God, the only God: our
God.

“This
God – God’s way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.30).

1 Samuel 25: 23 – 44

Abigail speaks with David. She explains Nabal’s nature
(foolish and senseless) and apologises for the offence. She takes the guilt of
the offence on herself for not knowing of the visit of David’s men at the time.
She asks David not to avenge the insult and thus be guilty of killing someone
who is like Nabal. She formally offers the gift of food. She asks for
forgiveness. She acknowledge that God will make David prosper since he is doing
God’s work. She clearly knows who David is and alludes to the killing of
Goliath.

She negotiates with him for mercy saying that when he
is King he will have no bloodguilt and asks him to remember her when that time
comes.

David blesses God for Abigail’s actions, tells her
that without her gift would have slaughtered every male in the community,
grants her petition and sends her off in peace.

Abigail returns to find Nabal feasting and drunk. She
waits until morning then tells him what has happened. Nabal appears to be
deeply shocked: “his heart died within him: he became like stone”
(v 37). About ten days later he dies.

David blesses God for judging the case of Nabal and for
keeping him from evil. David marries Abigail and Ahinoam of Jezreel thus
solidifying his connection to politically influential families.

John 3: 1 – 21

Nicodemus,
a senior Pharisee comes to see Jesus. Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus comes
from God since no one can do what Jesus does without God. Jesus teaches about
new life: new birth in the spirit. Jesus uses examples from the physical world
to help Nicodemus understand – he doesn’t.

Jesus
uses scripture to help Nicodemus understand. Then Jesus says that he has come
to give people eternal life: to save the world, not condemn it – as prophets
did.Those who don’t believe are already
condemned; they do evil, love darkness and do not want to come into the light.
They do not want their deeds known or to repent. Those who believe, who do what
is true come to Jesus and are willing to be exposed and be saved.

Collect for
Morning Prayer

Cheerful Ceramic SnailMandurah WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy
saviour loving God you save us from death and the hands of our enemies. You
save us from doing evil and its consequences. You save our souls and give us
eternal life. May all we do this day be to your praise and glory and honour through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts.
Amen.

Monday 6 July 2015

Evening
Prayer

Psalm 18: 32 – 38 (39 – 44), 45 – 52

David
continues his great psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and as the
warrior king he had to be. David describes his supremacy in battle. He is more
subdued at the end, blessing God, extoling God’s name, praising God for his
steadfast love and care.

Micah 1

Micah prophesies the destruction of Israel and Samaria
for their idol worship. He says his lamentation will be barefoot and naked
crying like a jackal and mourning like an ostrich.

He tells the people to get ready to cut off their hair
in mourning for their children who will be taken into exile.

Galatians 2: 11 – 21

Paul
reports how he strongly criticised Cephas (Peter). Peter lives by the spirit and
not by the law but has begun to draw back from the Christians who are not
Jewish and has stopped eating with them. Paul argues that if the people from
these other nations need to become Jews then Peter too has to live according to
the law and demonstrate that life. He also argues that Peter is building up
what he once pulled down and if he does so he shows himself to have been
wrong.Paul says we are not wrong. We
have died to the law, we have been crucified with Christ, and it is Christ who
lives in us. Our earthly physical lives are lived by faith with Jesus who loves
us.

If,
however our justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Collect for
Evening Prayer

Sue's BridgeBlackwood River WA 2014 LOsburn

O Lord who
guides our honest reflection and repentance you show us how easy it is to go
astray. Be with us at the end of this day and help us to learn and grow through
reflecting on what we have done or failed to do. King David flushed with
victory, Micah reminding all of the consequences of idol worship and Paul
correcting Peter for slipping back into legalism remind us all that we must die
to self, to idols and the law and instead live in your Spirit of truth and love
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.